Coaching legend Charles "Chot" Morrison, who led the Hackettstown High School football team to 15 state championships in 31 seasons from 1930 to 1961, will be inducted posthumously into the Warren County Hall of Fame at the third annual recognition dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Hawk Pointe Golf Club in Washington.
"The memorial that honors him is inspirational to anyone who coaches or plays football for Hackettstown High," said current Tigers coach Tony Villante. "We see the engravings detailing his success every day, as we go from the field house to the field which is named in his honor. It is very positive to know that such achievements have taken place right here, that this community is rich in history and football tradition."
Former player Gerald DiMaio, who collected several historical accounts from newspaper clippings and yearbooks to support the case for Morrison's inclusion this spring, indicated that Morrison was an active coach throughout the school year, also mentoring the basketball, baseball, track and golf teams. "He was as much an important part of the high school experience as anybody, on and off the field," he said.
"He was more than a coach to us, he was a friend and counselor," said DiMaio, who still lives in Hackettstown, as do many of Morrison's former players. "The 1943 Oracle (HHS yearbook) was dedicated to Chot. His players who still are in town have their albums, filled with pictures and articles that bring back those special years," DiMaio said.
"He pointed us in the direction of becoming the best people we can be, in all aspects of life."
Tax deductible proceeds from the dinner event will benefit the Warren County Community College Scholarship and Capital Campaign. For more information, call the WCCC Foundation office at 908-835-2325.
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Hocus pocus, brains in focus?
It's time again for the pigskin pundit to show his extraordinary expertise at envisioning the outcome of the local football games.

Expertise regarding everyone but Warren Hills, that is. Last week, kicking off the season, I went 4-1, only missing on the Warren Hills game.

This week's games start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, except for Hackettstown at Kittatinny and Phillipsburg at Franklin, which are 1 p.m. starts on Saturday.

The Blue Streaks have habitually been my toughest team to forecast. When I think they are good, they play badly. When I give up on them, they play like worldbeaters.

Watchung Hills at Warren Hills.

From the accounts I received from my Hunterdon County bird dog, the Warren Hills line had a rough time in the Blue Streaks' 19-7 loss at Voorhees. To make matters worse, featured running back Travis Hepworth was injured. Indications are the Streaks will have a tough time getting on track against the Chung. Watchung Hills 16-14.

Belvidere at New Providence.

Just the fact that Big Red has to travel down Route 31 and then cross the state on 1-78, is worth four points for the home team.
Belvidere won by a 7-0 score at home against a South Hunterdon team I expected them to handle easily. Logan Welles gained 125 yards with his passing game but Belvidere's ground game struggled. They will need more balance at NP. New Providence 13-7.

Wallkill Valley at North Warren.

Giving the Patriots the benefit of the doubt in their home opener, expecting the offense to start rolling. North Warren 17-16.

Phillipsburg at Franklin.

The Stateliners got a big effort (135 rushing yards and two TDs) from sophomore Anthony Guarino in their opening 42-16 win over Hillsborough. It will not be as easy at Franklin, against a Warriors club that is always tough. Phillipsburg 21-13.

Hackettstown at Kittatinny

The Tigers roared to a lopsided win against the Kittatinny Cougars last year as Brian Wickkiser ran for over 300 yards in a snowstorm. Expect him to get the ball, oh, about 40 times. An occasional pass will keep the Cougars' defense "honest." Hackettstown 35-7.